Living Your mainelove

In this inspiring episode, mainelove's Jeannie Assimos sits down with Colby Quinones, standout defender for the Portland Hearts of Pine soccer team, to talk about passion, perseverance, and what it means to truly live your mainelove.

Colby opens up about his journey from a nervous kid holding his mom’s hand at his first soccer practice to playing in front of 7,000 cheering fans in Portland. He shares how moving from Colorado to New Hampshire shaped his competitive spirit, how his father’s influence as a coach fueled his growth, and how joining the Revolution Academy at 13 gave him a glimpse of the professional world that would become his reality.

Listeners will love Colby’s down-to-earth honesty about what drives him, not just talent, but an unrelenting work ethic and the desire to outdo even his dad, a former semi-pro player. He talks about the close-knit brotherhood of Hearts of Pine, the electric energy of home games, and the pride he feels representing Maine, the state where he was born.

Colby also shares advice for aspiring athletes: stay honest with yourself about your goals, embrace the grind, and never lose sight of the joy in the game. His perspective on failure is refreshingly humble,  seeing mistakes not as setbacks but as opportunities to grow both on and off the field.

From favorite pre-game meals (egg sandwiches on a bagel) to cheat-day cookie dough binges and choosing Messi over Ronaldo, this episode is full of fun moments, heartfelt reflections, and genuine Maine spirit.

CEO and Co-Founder of mainelove, Jen Millard, had a fascinating chat with Sea Street Founder Austin Williams about all things water, Maine, the local economy, developing new business, and the Maine Blue Index.

Sea Street is a private-sector economic development firm accelerating Maine’s future economy. They build the infrastructure, relationships, and field-tested tools that support business growth, unlock investment, and advance real economic outcomes.  

The Maine Blue Index is their first initiative. It's a real-time map of who’s shaping Maine’s water economy—from aquaculture and next-gen marine technology to drinking water. And mainelove is proud to be part of the index!

Indie artist Paris Heart, a rising star and author from New York, has found his happy place, living in Maine. We sat down with him to learn how he followed his heart and became a talented artist, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. From the wins to the challenges, Paris gets real about it all with mainelove's Jeannie Assimos. 

In 2021, Paris released “No Name,” a debut single that confronts social issues with candid lyrical storytelling. His most recent EP, Search for Me, weaves together moody synth-pop, alt-rock grit, and heartfelt introspection—highlighting tracks like the stream-worthy “Coupe De Ville” and the atmospheric finale “Search for Me.” Through soulful melodies, genre-blurring soundscapes, and deeply personal themes like isolation and identity. 

Paris has also added published author to his impressive roster of work. His first psychological thriller novel, The Company We Keep,  is available September 24. 

Welcome to Living Your mainelove — the podcast where we celebrate the people, places, and passions that make Maine so magical.

Today, we’re diving into something close to our hearts. Our founder and CEO, Jen Millard, is joined by Paul Hunt, Environmental Manager from the Portland Water District, for a conversation that flows right to the source: Sebago Lake — the incredible water inside every can of mainelove.

They’ll talk about what makes this lake so special, how the Portland Water District keeps it pure, and why clean water isn't just a Maine treasure — it’s a responsibility, a privilege, and a love story of its own.

Whether you’ve sipped mainelove at a festival or opened a can during your afternoon hike, this episode will give you a new appreciation for what’s inside — and the people protecting it.

Let’s get into it!